Methods for Plastic Bag Recycling


When it comes to recycling plastic bags the conflicting information you might find is enough to have you preferring the bags just end up in a landfill. Before you give up hope, with the right steps and by asking the right people the right questions; you can end up taking part in plastic bag recycling with no trouble. Keep in mind that bags marked with 2 or 4 are the most recyclable. Some bags used to package bread and bakery items are often either 2 or 4, but it might not be marked on the bags. It's also important to keep in mind that any plastic product marked with a number 7 can't be recycled at all and should be avoided if possible. Other than that, things are perfectly clear.

By far the easiest way to go about recycling plastic bags is to have a curbside collection company pick up your recyclables for you. Most often they schedule a particular day for pick up. In some cases, you are responsible for paying a fee to have the collection take place. On the plus side, this type of service also usually includes paper, metal, and glass collection as well. If you are lucky enough to have this kind of service available in your area, you really are in a good place to make a difference with plastic bag recycling.

If you don't have curbside recycling in your area or don't feel inclined to pay for the service, lots of large chain grocery stores and even some of the smaller, privately owned stores offer grocery and plastic bag recycling to their customers. All you have to do is drop off your extra bags when you come in to shop. Remember to exclude plastic wrap and food bags from your recycling offerings. Plastic bags with hard plastic handles or drawstrings are not to be recycled either.

Regardless of what method you use to get your plastic bag and the recycling center together, there are a few things you should be sure of before you drop off the bags or put them in your home recycling bin. Plastic bags should always be clean and dry. Be sure to check for any debris like receipts from shopping or other small items that may be in the bottoms. Failing to do so could result in problems during the recycling process. If you are in doubt if a plastic bag is eligible for recycling, call your local recycling center. The employees there will have no problem answering your most obscure recycling questions.